Electric Moon

by Stacey Brutger

  “Don’t know our ways. They will turn this around and blame us.” The vampire’s eyes had washed black, but she didn’t think it had anything to do with the large quantity of blood pooling on the floor so near.

  “The council had their chance. You voted for the new force. How will it look when it’s discovered that you didn’t let them do their job? You will ruin any future chance for humans and paranormals to work together.”

  “Do they treat you as an equal? Do they give you the resources to extract our justice or their own sense of it?” The cat slowly straightened, retribution battling his alpha duties to do what was best for his people.

  Raven couldn’t argue with what they said. Not when she was having the same doubts. “We have to give their way a try first, and that means I’m bound by the law to report this crime. I’ll minimize human interaction as much as I’m able.”

  “Do you really think they will try to find the killers since the crimes are only perpetrated against shifters?” Donaldson appeared honestly curious, his expression grim.

  “A human was killed—”

  “My understanding was her being there was an instance of wrong place, wrong time.” Like the human’s death was just incidental.

  Raven continued as if the older wolf never interrupted her, hating that they sorted the importance of death by race when death, itself, should be the focus. They were no better than the humans. “I have every intention of hunting down the criminal and bringing him to justice any way I can. It’s either me or some human. Your choice.”

  Donaldson held up his hand when the other two would have continued arguing. “We thank you for all your work. We’ll add our own services to you as well in support.”

  A shiver of apprehension tightened her gut, already knowing she wouldn’t like what he had to say.

  “Randolph will accompany you.”

  “The police will object.” She just wished she could as well. Now that she was an alpha, she was part of the shifter world. That meant she must conform to their dictates.

  He waved away her comment as if her protests were no concern of his. “Then you and he will have to make sure that it doesn’t become a problem.”

  As if calling his name had summoned him, Randolph appeared at her side with a bland smile. The non-descript man shouldn’t have made her flesh crawl, but she knew what lurked beneath his benign surface.

  A stone-cold killer that enjoyed his job a little too much.

  And he was her partner.

  A headache began to pound at the base of her skull. Once an order was given, no matter how couched in pleasantries, there was nothing she could do to change it.

  Aligned with them for one day and already her whole world had altered. If she didn’t follow their decree, she wondered if they had the power to revoke her status or if they would devise of another way to make her pay.

  She grabbed her phone and headed toward Durant’s office for privacy. The phone call to Scotts went about what she could’ve expected.

  Wanting to keep as much distance between the normals and shifters as possible, she entered into the club with the mind to clear as many of them of suspicion before reinforcements arrived. The music had stopped. Durant’s men had prevented anyone from leaving. Most of the shifters were seated or standing by their alphas. They all held themselves rigid, expressions grave as they mourned the loss to the pack.

  Thank goodness the kids and their sponsors had already left for the cresting. That only left her with about a hundred people to question.

  She didn’t need to whistle to get everyone’s attention because all eyes were already glued to her.

  No one even blinked.

  Creepy.

  Whatever anonymity she’d managed to retain all these years was well and truly gone.

  “Does anyone know the victim?”

  No one answered.

  “We know that she is a shifter. She was female.”

  Still no answer. Damned stubborn shifters. The council’s gaze landed on her like a weight, casting judgment and found her lacking.

  Raven refused to concede defeat so easily. She gathered a small cord of energy, wrested it from her creature in a game of tug-of-war that left her chest burning in agony. She released a small burst into the room, praying they mistook her power as her alpha ability.

  A few vampires jerked straight when hit with the power, their eyes washing black. The shifters reacted differently. The alphas pushed back, the ones strong enough to protect those with them.

  A few snarls erupted in the room at her heavy-handed method, but a wild response from one shifter made him stand out from the rest. “You.”

  The male, who couldn’t be more than twenty-five, stood half-hidden in the shadows of a curtain. “You knew this girl. What’s your name?”

  The atmosphere in the room took on a decidedly deadly overtone as everyone turned toward the kid, the threat making the air in the room thick to breathe. When the man stepped forward, she’d half expected him to be a rogue, maybe even feral.

  “My name’s Neil. We came together.” Then the shifter raised his chin. “She wanted to put in a claim for me before the conclave adjourned for the night.”

  Then the last thing he would’ve wanted was to harm her. But that just brought out more questions. “What brought you here? She only needed her alpha’s permission.”

  “I—”

  Then things clicked into place. “Your pack denied the union.”

  The shifter’s composure crumbled, the stench of his grief crashing into her. “I told her we could go on the way we were, but she wanted a mate all to her own.”

  “So you got the drug for her.”

  “The rogue assured us it would be safe. Otherwise, I would’ve never let her try it.” Pale and shaky, the man looked ill himself.

  “She was only supposed to take one hit, but she took them all.” His voice wobbled, still shaken by the loss, and he spoke faster. “It worked, but after a while, she began to get sick.”

  With each word, the room took on a darker tone. The mood turned volatile when a couple shifters rose and slowly closed in on the boy.

  In reply, the kid bowed his head.

  He had no intention of defending himself.

  Alarmed, Raven placed herself between them. “Halt! Do not harm him. We need him to find where the drugs are manufactured. It could lead us to who is killing shifters.”

  One large lion cracked his knuckles, sounding like he’d crushed all the bones of his hands. “I’ll make him talk.”

  Raven scraped every bit of electricity she had to spare to surface until the air around her crackled with static. It was pathetically little, but thankfully, enough. The shifter’s eyes didn’t just splinter, but changed to pure yellow.

  They stared at each other.

  Just when she thought he would lunge, he gave a slight bow with his head. He conceded dominance and backed away. The rest of the room grew so quiet, she could all but hear their heartbeats.

  Shivering at the attention she’d brought onto herself, she turned toward the young shifter. “Who is your contact for the drug?”

  Instead of being pleased at her interference, the man appeared bitter at being spared. “No one, mistress. I was told to meet them and was given directions.”

  Raven narrowed her eyes. “Then you will show us where you picked up the drug, and we’ll track them.”

  It wasn’t a question. He nodded, and his face hardened. “As you wish.”

  The rest of the shifters seemed appeased, their grumblings at her interference diminished. At the pause, sirens could be heard in the distance. She had not doubt if the police didn’t solve this case tonight, many shifters would take it upon themselves to protect their packs in any way necessary.

  It would be a blood bath.

  With a sigh, Raven rubbed her brow. This was going to be a long night. “Anyone who does not want to be present for the police, I suggest you leave now.”

  Almost everyone stood. Some
rushed toward the exits, while others leisurely rose to their feet and departed. But in minutes, the room was emptied of all but a fraction of people, mostly workers and those in charge.

  Scotts was the first to enter the club, the door having been propped open for them. He gazed around cautiously, his hand on his service revolver. When he spotted her, he gave a nod and continued to step the room.

  “The body is in the bathroom.” Three people entered behind him, one cop and two forensics with their collection kits. “If you’re ready, I’ll lead the way.”

  They remained in the bathroom for nearly two hours, scraping samples from every surface. Scotts had hardly said a word since entering. The strain on their relationship pricked at her nerves. “What is your problem? I’m either a cop or I’m not. Are you pissed that I did my job? I want to make sure I understand.”

  “We’re supposed to be partners.” His voice exploded out of him in a harsh whisper. “You shared more information with me when you were a consultant.”

  “Are we partners? I thought you were my boss. Wasn’t I voted to be a Regent to handle the paranormal cases and free you up for other things?”

  “Then why don’t you catch me up on this case. No more hiding. No more lying by omission. There are too many bodies piling up.”

  Raven refused to flinch at his accusation. “Like you’ve shared everything?”

  Scotts grunted at the direct hit. “Then maybe it’s time that changed.”

  His concession shocked her. He was a hardcore human advocate, but he was also a cop to his very soul. If anyone could tuck away their prejudice, Scotts could if it meant justice would be done.

  “I believe the killings are incidental, a side effect to a new drug out on the market. They are calling it the Alpha drug, because it gives the shifters the ability to become an alpha for a few hours.”

  “So it’s not some sort of war between vampires or humans trying to kill shifters?” Scotts rubbed a hand down his face in relief.

  “Not that I can find.”

  “But why kill themselves? It makes no sense.”

  It was her turn to hesitate.

  “Come on, don’t bail on me now.”

  “Shifters are very organized. They have their leaders. Where you fall is all based on how much power you hold.” Raven glanced up at him. “So what if you could take a drug that could land you on the top of the pack?”

  Scotts gave a silent whistle, understanding for the first time the danger the drug posed. “If everyone took it...”

  “All shifters would become overly aggressive with no one to rein them in.” She refused to let that happen.

  His eyes narrowed abruptly. “I know that look. You wouldn’t have told me anything unless you have a plan. You’re not leaving here without me. Not this time.”

  Chapter Thirty-one

  FOURTH DAY OF THE CONCLAVE: WANING MOON

  By the time they’d reached her house with the police in tow, midnight had come and gone. London unfurled the map of the state forest out onto the table.

  People gathered. Scotts took one side, his bulk taking up more than his share of space, and he wasn’t sharing. She and her pack stood to the left of the table, taking care not to leave their backs to any door. Randolph stood on the opposite side. No one seemed inclined to join him. He gave a little smirk of amusement, making no effort to study the map as he scoped out her house.

  He was a voyeur, watching her people too intently for her comfort. Raven felt exposed and violated in her own home. Taggert passed between them, breaking the eye contact, serving around food and coffee. Knowing from experience that she needed to keep up her calories, Raven accepted the sandwich he offered.

  “Tell me you have an idea where to search?” Scotts accepted a cup of coffee.

  There were thousands of acres on the map. They would never be able to cover that amount of ground.

  “Vaguely. That’s why Neil is going to show us where he picked up the drug.” Raven nodded toward the lone shifter at the other side of the room.

  Ignoring everyone, Neil studied the map and pointed to a small clearing. “Somewhere here.”

  The area he indicated consisted of a ten-mile radius.

  Scotts rocked back on his heels as if understanding. “You’re going to have them chase the scent.”

  Them meaning her pack. Raven didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

  Scotts took a sip of his coffee before speaking. “You will not abandon us in the forest while you hunt.”

  “Not abandon.” Raven had to make Scotts see reason. “We’re searching for other shifters. Rogues. During the full moon, they’re more dangerous and unpredictable than normal. It would be best if you and the others stay back while we take the lead.”

  “This is a police matter.” Scott’s didn’t back down one bit.

  “And I am the police.” Raven clenched her teeth in frustration.

  Randolph ignored the rest as he stared at her. “They will slow us down.”

  Raven understood. The cops would be an obstacle and a handicap when it came to fighting. Randolph was more of a cleanup crew, not an apprehend and arrest type of person.

  “Then we will be slow.” Scotts wasn’t stupid. He knew the most likely outcome. He very deliberately set down his cup and placed his hand on his gun. “What is it? That’s the third time you looked over my shoulder.”

  Raven shook her head, astonished he’d noticed when she was barely aware of the action herself. “It’s too quiet. Has anyone seen either Dominic or Griffin?”

  Jackson straightened. “I’ve been shadowing Aaron. I hadn’t spent much time outside the house.”

  All the rest shook their heads.

  “How about anyone listening by the door?”

  There was a couple seconds of quiet, then a few hushed whispers. “We haven’t seen them either.”

  “Something’s wrong.” She pushed away from the map. “We need you in here, Jase.”

  The young wolf wore a pinched expression, but she knew he had nothing to do their disappearances. She gave him a nod when he stood next to London.

  “Where have the rogues been camping?”

  He pointed down at the map. “The rogues move their base every few days, but they’ve been avoiding this area here. The alpha said it’s off limits.”

  Everyone studied the twenty-mile area on the map. The location was within five miles of the clearing Neil had pointed out.

  “I’m going to call in the paranormal SWAT. They can be here before morning.”

  Raven shook her head. “We don’t have a few hours to wait. They probably already know we’re coming. Their operation will be gone before your team will arrive.”

  Because she knew it would needle him, Raven continued. “Every shifter on the street could be a ticking time bomb. You might not be concerned about the shifter casualties, but think of all the humans that could be hurt. One shifter in a crowd could take out dozens of humans.”

  Scotts scowled at her. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing.”

  Maybe it was unfair of her, but he pandered to human bosses whose first concern was human reactions. “We’re all you got.”

  “Fine.” He gulped the last of the coffee as if everything was decided. “We’ll take Neil and head out.”

  Taggert walked to her side, leaned his hip against the counter, not pulling off casual in any way. “You will need me as well.”

  Scotts’ scowled deepened. “We don’t need two shifters.”

  “There are hundreds of trails out there. The rogues have been here for weeks. Neil might get you to the meeting place, but I’m the only one who’s able to sort the older trails from the more recent.”

  “I go as well.” Jackson didn’t glance up from his study of the map. “If you run across trouble, you’re weapons will do nothing but enrage a shifter hyped up on drugs.”

  That left six of them including Randolph.

  “I called a few men in for backup.” Scotts squinted at the clock.
“They should be here shortly.”

  “If the humans are going, I am as well.” The door thudded open at those words, and Jamie hobbled into the room. His battered face was a pasty shade of cottage cheese, and he practically swayed on his feet.

  “You’re awake.” Her relief to see him alive was short lived at his declaration. “You can barely stand, you need to rest.”

  He shook his head and tottered into the room. “There are too many rogues out there. I will not have them be mistaken for the threat and killed.”

  The words stung. She didn’t care to be lumped as a killer. “I wouldn’t—”

  “There is also the fact that they trust me. My presence will give us free passage through the forest.”

  That wasn’t something she could argue with.

  “That leaves London and Jase to protect the house in case anyone thinks to double back.”

  A knock sounded on the door, and Scotts straightened. “That would be my men. Suit up. We leave in ten.”

  * * *

  Raven headed toward her office, conscious of Jackson a few steps behind her. She stopped by her desk. Her hand hesitated over the gun and Taser, but she knew that neither were going to be of much help.

  She stared at her hands, or more precisely, the gloves she wore, then pulled them off and laid them next to the gun. She flexed her fingers, shocked by how vulnerable they looked without current.

  “Claim me before we leave.”

  She turned and held up a hand to ward off his demand then slowly let it drop. The last time she had a chance to claim him and hadn’t, she’d nearly lost him. A frisson of nerves danced along her spine at the thought of her mouth on him, tasting him so intimately.

  She licked her dry lips. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

  In answer, he pulled off his shirt and strode toward her. Breathing stopped being important when his naked chest halted inches from her face. She expected the moon’s heat.

  This was something more.

  This was attraction on a personal level.